Archive for 2020

When someone dies, their assets are valued as at the date of death (known as the probate value). These values are reported to HMRC with the total value determining whether any inheritance tax liability arises. In certain circumstances and with certain assets, various exemptions/reliefs can be claimed to reduce an inheritance tax liability. Where inheritance…

This is a question that I am asked many times and one where the consequences of not obtaining one can be devastating. The simple answer to this question is yes. It is often a misconception that once you are divorced or your civil partnership is dissolved, your ex-husband/ex-wife cannot make any claim against your assets.…

Read time: about 8 – 10 mins A wife (W) has died, leaving her entire estate of £700,000 to her husband (H), which includes the family home and a rental property from which she received an income. However, H believes that W would have preferred to leave her estate to her childhood friend (F). H…

These are unprecedented times, and with difficult times comes difficult conversations. That includes thinking about what we want to happen to our estate when we die. Making a will may not resolve all your fears or issues, but it goes a long way to giving you peace of mind to know how your estate will…

Many people do not have a will, and others may have one which was made some time ago and has now, more or less, been forgotten or ignored.  Those without a will may think that the law will step in and deal with their estate in a fair manner; whilst those with an old will…

Being diagnosed with dementia does not necessarily mean that you do not have the capacity to create a new will, create a Lasting Power of Attorney or sign other legal documents. However, where capacity is questioned it is important to speak to a solicitor to get advice for peace of mind and security. Everyone should…

Well done to our Private Client team who have been shortlisted in the ‘Team of the Year’ category for the Devon & Somerset Law Society Legal Awards 2020. The Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, 30th April – we’ll be there, sitting with our fingers crossed under the table! Wish us luck!

We are now into a new year and although you may have contemplated your New Year’s resolutions, did you give any thought about making or reviewing your will or power of attorney? At an already difficult time when such documents are required, taking care of these matters beforehand ensures less worry for your family and…